Virgin Media O2 CEO Lutz Schüler is to take a leave of absence after being diagnosed with cancer.
In a statement titled ‘An update on our CEO’, Virgin Media 02 said Schüler had recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer following a routine health check and a series of tests.
“Thankfully, this has been caught in the early stages, his prognosis is very positive, and he’s expected to make a full recovery following surgery in the coming days.
“Understandably, Lutz needs to take some time to focus on his health and recovery so Patricia Cobian, Virgin Media O2’s CFO, will act as CEO in addition to her current role over the next 4 to 8 weeks, with continued support from the Virgin Media O2 Executive Committee.
“We wish Lutz a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back to his usual fighting-fit self.”
Virgin Media 02 also said that it wanted to use this moment to raise awareness of prostate cancer and to encourage men to regularly get checked by their GP or health provider.
Schüler previously served as CEO of Virgin Media from June 2019 to May 2021, after spending 10 months as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. He is also a member of the Liberty Global Executive Leadership Team.
Before joining Virgin Media, Lutz was CEO of Unity Media and served in several senior management roles with the Telefónica O2 group from 1998 onwards.
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
SMPTE, EBU, and ETC research AI’s impact on the media
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) has teamed up with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) on a new engineering report on artificial intelligence (AI) and its effect on media.
Nigel Warner to succeed John McVay as CEO of Pact
UK producers' body Pact has named Nigel Warner, UK Policy Consultant to the Motion Picture Association and Special Counsel at Lexington, as its next CEO.
UK film and TV industry backs clean power plan
The UK film and TV industry has agreed on a plan to permanently shift to clean solutions for temporary power on sets.
Sky’s Priya Dogra to become Chief Executive of Channel 4
Priya Dogra will become the next Chief Executive of Channel 4. Currently Chief Advertising, Group Data, and New Revenue Officer at Sky, Dogra will succeed interim Jonathan Allan in March 2026.
One Battle After Another, The White Lotus, and Adolescence lead Golden Globe nominees
One Battle After Another, The White Lotus, and Adolescence have emerged as the frontrunning films and TV shows for the 2026 Golden Globes.
